Yesterday, “Parks and Recreation” co-executive producer Harris Wittels passed away of a suspected drug overdose at age 30, and his sudden death set shockwaves through the comedy community.
"Parks" star Amy Poehler, receiving an award for her work with underpriveleged children at Variety’s unite4humanity event last time, took time to remember her friend in her speech, saying:
“Today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young friend in my life who was struggling with addiction. I’m sharing it with you because life and death live so close together, and we walk that fine line every day. When things happen in our lives, we turn to the people that we love…and we lean on people, in a hope that we will ease our pain. So, I don’t really feel like telling any jokes. I’m kind of sad, and it’s really great to be here tonight and listen to all of you, and listen to the great work that you do and be reminded why we live in this bizarre planet called ‘Hollywood.' It’s very strange.”
Meanwhile Sarah Silverman, who gave Wittels his first break on “The Sarah Silverman Program” back in 2007, expressed her heartbreak on Twitter, writing:
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Others in the comedy and entertainment community also took to Twitter to offer outpourings of love and grief, and to share a series of remembrances, photos, jokes and correspondences.
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